Delta 18-36 x5 drum sander.

First off Thanks to Joe Lydon who introduced me to his buddy Bob that was selling this sander. I mentioned to him I was going to buy one and he told me about a buddy that had one that he never used. I’m not normally good at buying used stuff, but I trusted Joe. Bod said, “If I didn’t like it I could return it for a refund.” (Who does that now a day?) Not a bad deal for used sander. I was shocked how clean this was when I arrived. We agreed on the price and off we went.
5 stars to Joe and Bob!!!!!

The reason I gave it 3 stars is something I was aware of when I bought this sander. The belt tracking is a joke. I have messed with this 30 some times. Once I have it were I think it is dialed in, about 5-8 passes later it’s time to readjust. I would not have expected this from Delta. The sander otherwise works great and I’m happy with that portion. Maybe 3.5 stars but its not a 4 or 5 for sure.

I have wanted one of these for a while and thx to Joe and Bob for saving me money!

I also have the same unit. Bought it this summer from a the local toy vendor as a refurb. It was never used by the original owner, or at least he could never get it to work right. It sat next to the new version and for literally half the cost of the new one, I have the same exact physcial machine except for the new one has a closed stand. I also see the tracking issue, but seriously, for $500 difference, and the work that it does in sanding down end grain cutting boards and other items, I’ll suck it up and dink with the tweaking of the tracking hex bolt. I absolutely love what it can do for flattening. I’d buy it again in a heartbeat. I’d had my eye set on the Jet/Performax, but again, for half the price…I’m loving it.

Of all the machines in my shop , this is the one that I actually hate. I’ve spent more time fixing it than using it, and I should have gotten my money back when I had the chance , rather than exchanging it for a second one. Biggest waste of money and space in my shop. I would sell it , but my conscience won’t let me pass it on to another woodworker.Hopefully your problems will be few : )

Safety issue :Be cautious about turning off the belt drive when you turn off the drum. My other drum sanders shut down both with just one switch , so that is what I was used to doing and sometimes neglected to turn off on the Delta : )

Sorry to hear about the belt tracking. I always hate that. Like Howie, I have the Jet 16-32, and I have to say that just like him, it was perfect out of the box, and has been ever since. I looked at the belt initially with trepidation, as I’ve had issues with tracking belts before, but it just worked. I may have adjusted the tracking for a moment or two that first day (can’t recall now), but never again since, and I’ve run it for a year or two now. I was able to pretty quickly dial the thickness in to within a couple thousandths of an inch from left to right as well. Often if I run a full-width piece through, both sides will measure the exact same number down to 0.001” with digital calipers. I’ve been really impressed with it.

Anyway, I hope you get it sorted! It looks like a nice machine otherwise.